By Claus T. Kræmmergård
He is Australian. He has never played handball in his life. In fact he only knows very little of the game with the round ball. And yet he is the man who will ensure a Danish gold medal at Euro 2002.

He is Jack Scascighini. At the pre-Olympic Games and the Olympic Games in Sidney he was guide for the Danish national team. As we all know the Danish team won both tournaments and therefore it is only natural that Jack Scascighini has become very popular among the Danish girls.

'I have never played handball, but prior to the Olympic Games I had a Norwegian girlfriend who told me about the game. Volunteers were needed at the Olympic Games and my girlfriend and I offered our assistance,' says Jack Scascighini.

While Jack Scascighini became guide for the Danish team, his girlfriend was assigned to the Norwegian team. Norway came close to meeting Denmark in the Final, but I am glad they didn't. My girlfriend would probably have been angry with me for not rooting for Norway', Jack Scascighini says smiling.

During his stay in Sydney, Jack Scascighini was very honoured to meet the Danish crown prince Frederik. 'One day, he surprised the girls by showing up at the national team's practice. He was very nice. He made jokes about me and him changing jobs. If he could become guide for the Danish handball girls, I could become crown prince of Denmark', tells Jack Scascighini.

Today, Jack Scascighini lives in Manchester, England and ever since the Olympics he has kept in touch with the Danish national team. Therefore he was very quick to book a trip to Denmark when he heard about Euro 2002.

Before Denmark's match against Austria, Jack got to meet with some of the Danish players. Obviously the joy of meeting each other again was great. Even the Danish national coach, Jan Pytlick turned into one big smile at seeing the auspicious Australian again.

The Danish veteran, Lene Rantala was one of the players who were pleased to see the Australian guide again. 'We have won every time Jack has been there so now the chance for a gold medal is great. No, of course it is just something we make jokes about. But I think it is nice that he wants to spend his time and money on going to Denmark. I am glad to see him again, says Lene Rantala with a smile.

Jack Scascighini was also thrilled to se the Danish handball darlings again and the Australian with the positive influence on the Danish team's performance promises not to return to Manchester until Monday.

So the road to Danish success at Euro 2002 should be paved with gold and the mascot from Down Under does not hesitate when asked if the Danish team will win the gold medal. 'Of course, they won the last two times we have been together haven't they?' says Jack Scascighini as if it is self-evident.